“Gareth, remember what I said, you don’t have to do this alone.”
He turned back to Charles. “You’re right, I don’t have to, but I choose to. Besides, they weren’t talking about you on the TV. It was my name linked to the Cortes family. This has gotten personal.”
“And if you’re not careful, the next accident might not be an accident. A man like Cortes won’t stand by quietly and let you fuck with his daughter,” Charles said. Rosslyn shot him a look and shook her head. “Sweetheart, I’m trying to make a point.”
Rosslyn said, “Then may I help? Maybe I can be a voice of reason here.”
Both men stopped and knew it was wise to at least hear her out. There would be hell to pay if they didn’t.
“Gareth, you’re basing everything on what the TV just said, am I correct?”
“She’s Tony’s daughter. That is fact.”
“Okay. Did she avoid talking to you about her family or her life?” Rosslyn asked.
“No. But then again she didn’t tell me she was his daughter either.”
“Is it possible that Brooke could’ve been in Tabiq doing exactly what she said she was doing there? Because if she wasn’t, why would she have been the one to call Dylan and tell him about you being in the hospital? Why wouldn’t she have let the doctor or some staff member call him? To me, that sounds more like a woman who cared deeply for you, and because of that, she opened herself up to whatever tongue lashing Dylan gave her. And from what I understand, it wasn’t very nice. Don’t worry, I gave him a piece of my mind about it too.”
That just confused shit even more. Rosslyn was right, Brooke could’ve taken the easy way out. But if she did care about him, that didn’t mean she wasn’t in Tabiq at her father’s request. “You’re right, Rosslyn, I need to talk to her. Ask some questions. And let her explain. There’s more to the story, and I need to know what it is.”
“Gareth, before you go on the attack, you should also take a minute and think about why you never called her,” Rosslyn added.
“Is this one of those women always stick together things?” Gareth asked.
Rosslyn put her hands on her hips. “Do you really think I’d stand by someone who intentionally hurt my family?” Gareth shook his head. “Good, because if she isn’t who I think she is, she won’t have to worry about the Hendersons. I’ll have a chat with her myself.”
Gareth almost laughed. Rosslyn wasn’t intimidating in the least, but when her mother-hen instinct kicked in, her demeanor changed. “Okay, I’ll think long and hard about my own actions on the flight to Tabiq. Is that acceptable?”
Rosslyn huffed. “It’s better, but you have a long way to go before it’s acceptable.”
Gareth shot Charles a look. Good luck with this one. She’s tougher than you.
“You two know how to reach me if anything comes up.” Gareth knew if he didn’t leave now, Rosslyn was going to keep lecturing him on what he was doing incorrectly. He didn’t need anyone to tell him he’d made mistakes with Brooke. She was right; he could’ve called her. The doctor’s had told him if she hadn’t been there, applied direct pressure to his wound, he probably would’ve bled out.
Guess if I was dead, I wouldn’t be worried if what I thought we shared was true or not.
Going back to Tabiq was something he’d already decided to do, even before that stupid shit on TV. All that had done was provide him an explanation to his family. He didn’t bring up that his trip was also damage control. Charles didn’t want the Lawson name linked to the Hendersons in a negative way, but the same people who came up with that crap could possibly accuse Gareth of helping her and working with Cortes. That would fucking rip Lawson Steel’s reputation apart. They wouldn’t have to worry about expanding their global business; they’d be out of business.
The flight to Tabiq was far more comfortable in their private jet. It provided much-needed time to think through how to approach the situation. He contemplated calling Alex and letting him know he was coming. But he saved that for when the jet landed. The Hendersons already knew about anyone coming to Tabiq, especially by plane.
“Hi, Alex, guess who is back?”
Alex asked, “Alone or did you bring Brooke with you?”
“Alone. I’m hoping to meet with you. Are you home right now?” The sooner he addressed this, the better. He felt confident that he and Alex could sort this out and come up with a plan so the rumors didn’t go any further than they already had.
“I am, and your timing is perfect. Do you need someone to pick you up or can you find your way?”
“I can find your house. I’ll be there in about thirty.” He ended the call. There was no reason to take any bags off the jet. He believed he was staying, but right now, there was no guarantee on that. All depended on how this meeting went.
Might be a very short stay in Tabiq.
It wasn’t long before he pulled up to their house. Alex failed to mention he was hosting some sort of party. He was tempted to call back and change the plan, but he was already there, and Gareth knew the security cameras had already announced his arrival.
He had no intention of staying long and didn’t want to risk getting boxed in. He parked the loaner vehicle on the street and walked up the driveway. Even before he had a chance to knock, Ziva was opening the door. She gave him a hug then stepped back, wide-eyed.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t hurt you, did I? You look so good that I forgot about your back and shoulder.”
“It’s going to take a lot more than a hug to hurt me,” Gareth joked. The fact was, he still was in recovery, and the doctors had a list of things he shouldn’t do. Lifting anything heavy topped the list. Since he wasn’t planning on visiting the gym, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about, health wise that was. “I’m not interrupting anything, am I?”
“You couldn’t have come at a better time.”
“And why is that?” he asked.
“They are all here. All the Hendersons. This is the first time that has happened since . . . well let’s see . . . I think it was my wedding.”
“Nope. It was my wedding to Drake. You must be Gareth. I’m Isa, Ziva’s sister. Glad you could join us.”
The two definitely looked alike. He didn’t know Ziva had a sister. Then again, there was a lot he hadn’t looked into. When he first started digging, it was only about the Henderson men, not their wives. Before he could respond, yet another woman joined them.
“You’re both wrong. It was my wedding to Caydan. I can’t believe you two have forgotten that already. Hi, I’m Allyson, one of the many sisters-in-law here. Hope you’re hungry because we are about to eat. My husband is manning the grill. He says that is his excuse not to have to chase after all these kids.”
Gareth didn’t remember a Caydan Henderson. Yet another piece of the puzzle. It seemed there were more secrets in the Henderson family than Alex had let on. And our secrets are what we need to protect right now.
“I really can come back another time,” Gareth said, but it was too late.
Ziva had grabbed him by the arm and started pulling him inside. “It seems overwhelming at first, but you’re from a large family too, so I’m sure you’re used to this.”
When they arrived in the backyard, Gareth wished he’d come at another time. Kids were running everywhere; it really was a family reunion. He didn’t belong there. If he doubted that, the look Brice gave him said it all.
Brice walked over before Gareth could get anywhere close to the rest of the family. In a low tone he said, “What the hell are you doing here?”
“I didn’t realize you were having a party.” Alex seemed to have intentionally left that out.
“I don’t mean at the party. I mean back in Tabiq,” Brice snarled.
Gareth wasn’t intimidated by Brice the first time they met, and just because he was there with the entire Henderson clan, he still wasn’t. “I came to speak to Alex. Unless we need your permission, in which case I say, fuck you.”
Bric
e clenched his fist but didn’t swing. Gareth knew he wouldn’t. No matter how much he might resent that Gareth and Alex had gone behind his back, he wouldn’t do anything with all the kids around.
“This is far from over.”
“I know. That’s why I’m here, because you need my help.”
Brice laughed. “I think you’ve done enough already. I heard. The last time we spoke, we were going to make sure our names were never linked. Getting injured on Tabiq drew a hell of a lot of attention.”
“That has yet to be seen. But I was talking about Tony Cortes. Is it true? Is he out to snag New Hope?” Gareth asked.
“He can try. It won’t happen. We won’t let it. Alex said he told you everything about what had taken place here. We are not allowing any outside companies to come in and prey on these people again. Is that what you came to tell Alex? Because a quick phone call could’ve saved you a trip.”
“You’re awfully cocky for a man who hired his daughter,” Gareth snapped.
“We knew exactly who she was. As I said, everyone who enters Tabiq has a full background check. That includes you.”
Coming from anyone else, he’d think it was a bluff. Brice wasn’t that guy. Gareth wasn’t offended or shocked. After all, he’d done the same exact thing to each Henderson. Guess we’re both assholes.
“So you knew who she was and hired her anyway? I don’t get it. Why expose your business and Tabiq to a potential takeover?”
“Because she’s not that person. Brooke is exactly who she said she was.”
“A waitress? Her father’s a billionaire, and she waits tables. Why?” Gareth asked.
Brice looked at him, “That’s something you should ask her yourself.”
He planned on it. Once I know where the hell she is. “So what are we going to do about these rumors?”
“Nothing,” Brice replied.
Gareth arched a brow. “You don’t think people are going to start asking questions about what I was doing in Tabiq? And when they do, they are going to find out what a strong presence the Hendersons have here.”
“Gareth, we weren’t hiding. If so, it’d be hard to run a resort. The only thing we were hoping to keep private was . . . our relationship. Which you put at risk for getting out.”
Great. He had to hear it from Charles and Brice. Being told he fucked up was getting old. No one seemed to have a resolution to the problem. “So what do you suggest?”
“I gave you mine a year ago. It’s your turn to come up with one now,” Brice replied.
There was only one option as far as he was concerned. “Do business with Lawson Steel.”
“That’s not going to happen. It’ll put us under a lot of scrutiny.”
“Publicly. Full disclosure. You buy it, and we build it. Hell, Brice, it’s not like you’re going with someone who uses substandard material. Why would anyone question teaming up with the best?” It was now in Brice’s hands to decide. Gareth was taking a gamble, but he knew that was the best pitch. It also was a win for both families. Although, perhaps Gareth should’ve discussed that with his brothers first. Then again, it didn’t appear that Brice was doing any differently. Time was of the essence, and they could sort out all the details later.
“You’re not just the playboy everyone thinks you are, are you?” Brice asked.
“None of us are what we seem to be. So, do we have a deal or not?” Gareth asked.
“We do. Now, why don’t you come with me and let me introduce you to all your . . . business partners.”
None of them were willing to use the word cousin. As far as they were concerned, it didn’t exist in their vocabulary. That didn’t mean it wasn’t time to start acting more like family. That meant the next stop for Gareth was Panama. He needed to pay Tony Cortes a visit personally.
Like Rosslyn said, no one fucks with my family.
Gareth ended up staying the night with the Hendersons before fueling his jet to finish this little business trip. He’d thought Brooke would be his next stop, but he needed to make sure her dear ole dad wasn’t going to be a problem.
Finding Tony in Panama wasn’t difficult at all. But driving up to his home wasn’t so easy. It was surrounded by a high wall and a massive gate. To get through, he needed to stop and speak with the armed guard. All of this should be an indication that coming alone was unwise. But he wasn’t about to turn around now. He gave the guard his name and waited to see if he’d be allowed inside.
Several minutes later the guard returned and opened the gates. “Proceed to the main building. You will be escorted from there.”
Was it a good or bad thing that Tony Cortes seemed to know who he was? I’m about to find out. Gareth did as instructed, mostly because he wanted to get out of there alive, after being searched by armed guards for any weapons. He wasn’t there to kill Cortes, just to set things straight. Of course, Cortes might not appreciate his visit.
Once inside the home, he was told to wait in a large elaborate marble library with statues of what Gareth assumed to be famous authors. Who knew? To Gareth, this place was gaudy. There was nothing there that reminded him in any way of sweet Brooke.
No wonder you’d rather wait tables. Beats the hell out of living in this prison.
He didn’t need to wait long before the door opened and Tony entered. Tony didn’t look fierce, but then again, Tony was known for having others do his dirty work. Gareth believed if you wanted something done, do it yourself. And that’s why he was there.
“I have to admit, I’m surprised to see you here, Mr. Lawson.”
“There are a few things I think you and I should discuss in person,” Gareth said.
“And what exactly would they be?” Tony asked.
“Let’s start with the Hendersons. It has been rumored you might be looking at some of their businesses.”
“I don’t make it a habit to discuss my business with strangers,” Tony said flatly.
“Don’t worry. I’m not here to discuss it. I’m here to tell you to keep your hands off anything Henderson or Lawson.”
Tony’s jaw clenched and he said, “You are a very foolish young man if you think you can come into my home and tell me what I can and can’t fucking do. Give me one fucking reason why I shouldn’t have my guards escort you off my property immediately?”
And dealt with. Yeah. I get it. “Because I’m in love with your daughter and have every intention of marrying her. You can either accept my terms, or I tell her exactly what a fucking piece of shit her father really is and what you really do for a living.” It wasn’t an empty threat. But he was gambling on how much Brooke meant to her father.
Tony stood, and Gareth swore he saw the veins in his neck pulsing. “I could very easily make it so my daughter never fucking sees or hears from you again; you do know that, don’t you?”
Gareth didn’t get up and forced himself to remain in control. “You could. But your daughter loves me, and I love her. If you don’t care about her happiness, do whatever you fucking want. But since you have allowed her to live her life as she chooses all these years, the life that makes her happy, I suspect she means everything to you.”
Tony glared at him long and hard. In a half growl he said, “I don’t like you, Lawson.”
“You don’t have to. This is all about one person. Brooke.”
Gareth could tell from the look in Tony’s eyes he’d called it right. The only way to get Tony’s respect was to show him he was willing to do whatever it took to not just make Brooke happy, but to keep her safe. That meant having balls big enough to stand up to Tony.
“She hasn’t told me of your upcoming nuptials. Why is that?” Tony inquired.
“Because I haven’t asked her. I figured it was best we come to an understanding first.”
Tony smirked. “You have a very unique way of asking for her hand in marriage.”
“I take that as a yes?” Gareth asked.
“As long as you understand, this is the last time you enter my home and try
to muscle me.”
Great. He just got the blessing to be a member of yet another family filled with fucking secrets.
Brooke stood on the beach watching the sunrise. She couldn’t help but think about the last time she was in this exact spot. It had been the beginning of the best day of her life. Gareth had swept her off her feet for the most romantic getaway.
Gareth, a man of such wealth, really seemed to understand her. She didn’t want loud and flashy. If she did, she could have stayed living with her parents. Glitz and glam. A total turn off for her. She saw beauty in simplicity.
She thought by coming back to New Hope, she’d find peace. She was wrong. It actually was worse than any place she’d been. Everything reminded her of Gareth: the lobby, the halls, the beach. But Brooke had practically begged for her old job back. How could she go to Alex and tell him she made a mistake?
That was it. She had to suck it up and follow through. She owed it to them and also to herself. She wasn’t a quitter. Eventually the pain of being without Gareth would subside. She closed her eyes and released another heavy sigh. If I don’t die of a broken heart first.
She heard a splash in the water and stepped closer. Someone was swimming. Might it be? Had Gareth come back to Tabiq? Could they replay their time together, but this time with a happy ending? She looked closer and could tell it was a man in the water, and he was swimming to shore.
Her heart raced in anticipation. What would she say? How could she explain not calling him? Not being there when he woke? She’d thought it was the best thing for him and his family, but it sure as hell hadn’t been the best for her. It was pure hell wondering each moment how he was doing but not knowing. When she accepted that she’d been wrong in not going to the States with him, it was too late. Too much time had passed. He’d woken up and found her gone.
She wanted their paths to cross again. Had she come here hoping against hope they would? But now that he was heading her way, she was . . . wasn’t ready. But she couldn’t turn and make her escape up the beach and duck back into the hotel. A couple more strokes then he stood and walked toward her. You can do this, Brooke. It’s what you wanted. Just . . . not how you pictured it.
The Billionaire's Scandal (The Blank Check Series Book 3) Page 15
